Overview
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced reforms including a new aggravated hate‑speech offence for preachers, increased penalties, a federal serious‑vilification offence, a system to list groups led by hate promoters, and new powers to cancel or refuse visas for those who spread hatred.
- Australian Federal Police chief Krissy Barrett said more search warrants will be executed and that investigators are scrutinizing domestic IS‑linked networks and the suspects’ November travel to the Philippines, where officials say there is no evidence of terrorist training.
- Naveed Akram, 24, was charged on Wednesday with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder and terrorism and remains under police guard in hospital; his father and alleged accomplice, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed at the scene.
- Police intercepted two cars in Sydney’s southwest after a tip‑off about a possible violent act, with seven men assisting inquiries and no identified link so far to the Bondi investigation.
- Funerals continued, including for 10‑year‑old Matilda, as officials reported at least 16 people still hospitalized and state and federal leaders advanced proposals to tighten gun licensing and ownership rules.